Mohammad Asif exorcises his Sydney demons

Published: Monday, January 4, 2010, 12:33 [IST]

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Sydney, Jan 4 (ANI): Mohammad Asif is delighted five years after making a forgettable debut here at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with a career-best haul that has put Pakistan in a commanding position against Australia in their second Test.

Back in 2005, Asif finished wicket-less and Pakistan went on to lose the Sydney Test. But this time it might be a different story.

The fast bowler took full advantage of conducive conditions to pick up 6-41 as Pakistan bowled out Australia for just 127 on the opening day.

"I just bowled in the right areas," said Asif, and added that he wasn't surprised when Australia captain Ricky Ponting opted to bat first in spite of difficult playing conditions.

"We weren't surprised because we know he tends to bat first. May be he knows the wicket better than us," The News quoted Asif, as saying.

Asif recalled his first Test here and said that it brought back some bad memories. "Yes I had some bad memories of this ground but it is totally a different experience today."

He said that he was hoping to bowl first on the SCG track under overcast conditions. "I knew that if we get to bowl first, we will just rip through their batting. And we did."

Asif said that a fiery opening spell from fellow pacer Mohammad Sami that fetched him three wickets in quick succession was of great help.

Asif said that the wicket will continue to assist pacers, who will stick to a good line and length.

"The conditions here are good, very much like Dunedin and Wellington," he said referring to two of the venues where Pakistan played Tests against New Zealand earlier this season. (ANI)